Abdominal Pain Clinic

Quick Intro

VEI Clinic Apgujeong offers English-friendly evaluation and treatment for abdominal pain, from sudden stomach aches to ongoing digestive discomfort.

When to Visit Us

• New or worsening upper/mid/low abdominal pain
• Burning after meals, bloating, cramping, indigestion
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea/constipation
• Suspected gastritis/GERD, food poisoning, or traveler’s diarrhea
• Recurrent pain with IBS-like symptoms
• Mild urinary symptoms or lower-abdominal pain where internal medicine is appropriate

Red Flags — Go to an ER or Call 119

• Severe or rapidly worsening pain, rigid abdomen
• Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down
• Black/tarry stools, bright red rectal bleeding, vomiting blood
• High fever with confusion, fainting, or severe dehydration
• Chest pain or shortness of breath with abdominal symptoms
• Positive pregnancy test with severe lower abdominal pain or shoulder-tip pain

What We Do During Your Visit

• Focused history & exam (pain location, timing, triggers, travel/diet, meds)
• Point-of-care tests: urinalysis; stool kits when indicated
• Laboratory panels (as appropriate): CBC, CMP/LFTs, amylase/lipase, CRP, pregnancy test where relevant
• Targeted testing: H. pylori (breath/stool), occult blood
• Treatment plan: anti-nausea/antispasmodics, acid suppression (PPI/H2), oral antibiotics only when indicated, IV hydration for moderate dehydration
• Referrals: abdominal ultrasound, CT, endoscopy/colonoscopy, or surgical/GI consults if needed

Likely Causes We Assess

• Upper abdomen/epigastric: gastritis, GERD/reflux, peptic ulcer, gallbladder disease (referral for imaging)
• Right upper quadrant: biliary colic, hepatitis (LFTs; ultrasound referral)
• Right lower quadrant: suspected appendicitis → urgent imaging referral/ER
• Left lower quadrant: suspected diverticulitis → labs + imaging referral
• Diffuse cramps + diarrhea: viral/bacterial gastroenteritis, traveler’s diarrhea
• Bloating/alternating bowel habits: IBS, food intolerance (dietary plan, testing as needed)
• With urinary symptoms: UTI screening/treatment when appropriate

How to Prepare

• Bring a medication/supplement list (antacids, NSAIDs, antibiotics)
• Note travel/food exposures and prior GI diagnoses
• Arrive hydrated; we’ll advise if any fasting is required for specific tests
• If an H. pylori breath test is likely, ask about holding PPIs/antibiotics beforehand

Visit Flow

• Check-in & triage → symptom review, vitals
• Exam & tests → targeted labs ± stool/breath tests
• Plan → medications, diet handouts (GERD/IBS), whether imaging/scope is needed
• Follow-up → English results summary, escalation plan if symptoms persist

At-Home Care

• Small, bland meals; limit alcohol, spicy/fatty foods, caffeine
• Oral rehydration for mild diarrhea; avoid dehydration
• Short trial of acid suppression or antispasmodic if advised
• Return or message us if symptoms do not improve as expected

Pricing & Insurance Notes

• Fees vary by consult length, tests, and IV type
• Most visitors pay upfront and use itemized English receipts for insurance claims
• Ask for a written quote before labs/imaging referrals

What to Bring

• Medication & allergy list, prior GI reports if available
• Payment method (card/cash); insurer details if you’ll file a claim